Richard Rottiers - Moulin-à-Vent 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Richard Rottiers was one of the winemakers hardest hit by the relentless hailstorms of recent vintages. On the verge of going under, he managed to find a new lease on life with well-crafted wines sold through the wine merchant. The 2018 vintages were finishing their barrel aging at the time of our visit. The quality is superb and should give our dear winemaker some breathing room. In the meantime, the 2017s, currently on sale, are consistent, well-structured, and, despite modest quantities, reasonably priced.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent exudes rich aromas of red and black cherries, spiced plums, and ground ginger. The layered palate, medium-bodied to full-bodied, features zesty notes of mandarin and white pepper, combined with well-balanced acidity and fine yet robust tannins that attest to the wine’s aging potential. The wine is persistent and displays remarkable balance throughout the palate. Very enjoyable.

About the estate:

One of the region’s most dedicated organic farmers, Richard Rottiers struggled during the 2016 and 2017 vintages, when Moulin-à-Vent was ravaged by hail. But 2018 marked a return to a semblance of normalcy, and he produced a fine collection of wines; a feat he has repeated with a 2019 lineup that is livelier and more refined than its predecessors. Semi-carbonic maceration is followed by aging in large oak casks and barrels, depending on the cuvée. Everything reviewed here comes highly recommended.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Richard Rottiers belongs to the generation that brought the Beaujolais terroirs to prominence. An engineer specializing in agriculture and the environment, he is passionate about soil biology. After gaining experience in New Zealand, this native of Chablis settled in Romanèche-Thorins. He began winemaking in 2003 in Fleurie, then trained in vineyard and cellar work for three years at Château Thivin. In 2008, he took over a leased estate in Moulin-à-Vent, which he cultivates organically. He made his debut in the guide last year.

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent is a blend of 24 small plots (10 hectares) and aged 20% in barrels. The nose is very fruity and floral, already expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, open and expressive, revealing notes of black pepper and Asian spices, with more structure on the finish compared to the Brouilly. Very lovely.

James Suckling

About the wine:

This wine is silky and mineral, with very subtle hints of fruit. Raspberries, bark, crushed stone, and tea leaves, all wrapped in a medium-bodied profile. Elegant. Made from organically grown grapes. Ready to drink or suitable for aging.